Jake Lucchini

{{Infobox ice hockey player

| name = Jake Lucchini

| image =

| image_size =

| caption =

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|5|9|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Trail, British Columbia, Canada

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 0

| weight_lb = 180

| position = Centre

| shoots = Left

| league = NHL

| team = Nashville Predators

| prospect_league = AHL

| prospect_team = Milwaukee Admirals

| former_teams = Ottawa Senators
Minnesota Wild

| draft = Undrafted

| draft_year =

| draft_team =

| career_start = 2019

}}

Jacob Leo Lucchini (born May 9, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally undrafted by teams in the NHL, Lucchini has also previously played for the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild.

Playing career

=Amateur=

Lucchini played junior hockey for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). With Trail, scored 48 goals, 69 assists for 117 points in 168 games.{{cite web |url=https://bchl.ca/lucchini-gets-fa-deal-with-pens |title=Lucchini gets FA deal with Pens |publisher=British Columbia Hockey League |date=March 12, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2025}} He played National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college hockey for Michigan Tech Huskies of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) for four seasons. In his first season with the Huskies in 2015–16 season He recorded seven goals and 17 points in 37 games and was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team.{{cite web |url=https://michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/jake-lucchini/2641 |title=2018-19 Men's Ice Hockey – Jake Lucchini |publisher=Michigan Tech Huskies |access-date=March 6, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=163074 |title=Jake Lucchini |work=Hockeydb.com |access-date=March 6, 2025}} In his sophomore season in 2016–17 he appeared in 45 games, scoring 11 goals and 22 points. In his junior season in 2017–18 season Lucchini was named an alternate captain and scored 16 goals and 39 points in 44 games, leading the team in scoring. He was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team. Lucchini played on two Michigan Tech championship teams.{{cite web |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/12/14/former-mtu-captain-lucchini-makes-nhl-debut-tonight/ |title=Former MTU Captain Lucchini makes NHL debut tonight |work=TV6 |last=Ludlum |first=Mike |date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He was named co-captain of the Huskies in his senior year, and scored 11 goals and 26 points in 38 games.

=Professional=

While at Michigan Tech, Lucchini attended both the National Hockey League (NHL) Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins' prospect training camps. However, he went undrafted by NHL teams. After completing his senior season with Michigan Tech, he signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins. He was assigned to Pittsburgh's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, for the remainder of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.trailtimes.ca/sports/nhl-penguins-ink-deal-with-former-smoke-eater-jake-lucchini-5033930 |title=NHL Penguins ink deal with former Smoke Eater, Jake Lucchini |work=Trail Times |last=Bailey |first=Jim |date=March 12, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He scored six goals and seven points in 15 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He began the 2019–20 season with Wilkes-Barre, appearing in 53 games, recording seven goals and 15 points. On February 20, 2020, Lucchini was traded by the Penguins along with Joseph Blandisi to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forwards Phil Varone and Riley Barber. He was immediately reassigned by the Canadiens to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.{{cite web |url= https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-acquire-forwards-joseph-blandisi-jacob-lucchini-from-penguins/c-315306848 | title = Canadiens acquire forwards Lucchini and Blandisi from Penguins | publisher = Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com | date = February 20, 2020 | access-date = December 15, 2022}} He finished the season playing in eight games, scoring four goals and five points, before the AHL suspended the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/ahl/ahl-cancels-rest-regular-season-playoffs-due-covid-19-pandemic/ |title=AHL cancels rest of regular season, playoffs due to COVID-19 pandemic |work=Sportsnet |date=May 11, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} In the 2020 offseason, Lucchini signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Canadiens.{{cite web |url=https://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/hockey-inside-out/article505975.html |title=Canadiens, forward Jake Lucchini agree to one-year, two-way contract |work=Montreal Gazette |date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He was assigned to Laval for the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season and appeared in 28 games, scoring three goals and six points. Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Lucchini was traded by Laval to the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, for future considerations.{{cite press release |url=https://bellevillesens.com/21006-2/ |title=Belleville Senators acquire Jake Lucchini from Laval |date=October 12, 2021 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |publisher=Belleville Senators}} He had what was considered a "breakout" season with Belleville, scoring 20 goals and 51 points in 72 games. Belleville qualified for the 2022 Calder Cup playoffs and in two games, Lucchini recorded one assist.

As an unrestricted free agent, Lucchini was signed to a one-year, two-way NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 13, 2022.{{cite web| url = https://bellevillesens.com/senators-sign-forward-jake-lucchini-one-year-two-way-nhl-contract-extension/ | title = Senators sign forward Jake Lucchini to one-year, two-way NHL contract extension | publisher = Belleville Senators | date = July 13, 2022 | access-date = December 15, 2022}} After attending Ottawa's training camp, he was placed on waivers and after going unclaimed, was assigned to Belleville.{{cite web |url=https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-with-19-players-sent-to-belleville-senators-will-focus-on-getting-ready-for-season |title=Garrioch: With 19 players sent to Belleville, Senators will focus on getting ready for season |work=Ottawa Sun |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} During the {{NHL Year|2022}} season, Lucchini was called up to Ottawa and made his NHL debut on December 14, 2022, against the Canadiens.{{cite news |work=Ottawa Citizen |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-tim-stutzles-shoulder-injury-isnt-serious-but-hell-miss-at-least-a-week |title=Garrioch: Tim Stutzle's shoulder injury isn't serious but he'll miss at least a week |date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |first=Bruce |last=Garrioch}} He scored the first NHL goal of his career on January 1, 2023, against the Buffalo Sabres.{{cite news |work=Ottawa Citizen |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/lucchini-steps-into-the-spotlight-as-senators-rebound-with-big-new-years-day-victory/wcm/14cc9157-b359-4654-be19-3e9016a95c40 |title=Lucchini scores winning goal as Senators rebound with big New Year's Day victory |first=Ken |last=Warren |date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023}} Lucchini was returned to Belleville after eleven games with Ottawa.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/ottawa-senators-jacob-lucchini-waivers-1.1907340 |title=Sens place F Lucchini on waivers |work=TSN |date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=June 13, 2023}} He finished the season with 19 goals and 53 points in 61 games with Belleville and one goal in 11 games with Ottawa.

As an unrestricted free agent from the Senators, Lucchini was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild for the {{NHL Year|2023}} season on July 1, 2023.{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-signs-lettieri-and-lucchini-070123/c-345164556 | title = Minnesota Wild signs forwards Vinni Lettieri and Jake Lucchini | publisher = Minnesota Wild |via=NHL.com | date = July 1, 2023 | access-date= July 1, 2023}} He attended the Wild's 2023 training camp but failed to make the team. He was placed on waivers but went unclaimed and was assigned to Minnesota's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, to begin the 2023–24 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-reduces-training-camp-roster-to-31 |title=Minnesota Wild Reduces Training Camp Roster to 31 |publisher=Minnesota Wild |via=NHL.com |date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=October 14, 2023}} He was recalled on December 23 by Minnesota and made his debut for the team that night versus the Boston Bruins.{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/game-day/jake-lucchini-excited-to-make-wild-debut-tonight-vs-bruins |title=Jake Lucchini Excited to make Wild debut tonight vs Bruins |work=The Hockey News |last=Loucks |first=Dylan |date=December 23, 2023 |access-date=January 3, 2024}} After skating in four games going scoreless, he was returned to Iowa before being recalled to replace the injured Connor Dewar on January 20, 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/minnesota-wild-recalls-lucchini-and-wallstedt-012024 |title=Minnesota Wild Recalls Jake Lucchini and Jesper Wallstedt from Iowa |publisher=Minnesota Wild |via=NHL.com |date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He played in four more games before returning to Iowa again. His stay in Iowa was short-lived as he was once again recalled by Minnesota on February 5.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/minnesota-wild-recalls-lucchini-from-iowa-020524 |title=Minnesota Wild Recalls Jake Lucchini from Iowa |publisher=Minnesota Wild |via=NHL.com |date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He scored his first goal for Minnesota in a 2–1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on February 7.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=401560022 |title=Marcus Foligno scores as Minnesota Wild edge the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=February 8, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He made a career best 40 appearances for Minnesota over the course of the season, notching two goals and five points. In 30 games with Iowa he registered 11 goals and 23 points.

Leaving the Wild at the conclusion of his contract, Lucchini was signed to a two-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators on July 1, 2024.{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-agree-to-terms-with-four-free-agents | title = Predators agree to terms with four free agents | publisher = Nashville Predators |via=NHL.com | date = July 1, 2024 | access-date = July 1, 2024}} He was assigned to Nashville's AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, to start the 2024–25 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-reduce-roster-to-31-players |title=Predators Reduce Roster to 31 Players |publisher=Nashville Predators |via=NHL.com |date=September 29, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} He was recalled by Nashville on March 1, 2025 and made his Predators debut that night in a game against the New York Islanders.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-recall-jake-lucchini-spencer-stastney-from-milwaukee-ahl-2025-03-01 |title=Predators Recall Jake Lucchini, Spencer Stastney From Milwaukee (AHL) |publisher=Nashville Predators |via=NHL.com |date=March 1, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/game-day-preds-at-rangers-march-2-2025-03-02 |title=Game Day: Preds at Rangers, March 2 |publisher=Nashville Predators |via=NHL.com |date=March 2, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025}}

Personal

Lucchini is the son of Sandy and John Lucchini. His younger brother Jeremy also played for the Trail Smoke Eaters in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and the two played one season together. Jeremy is now a professional player in Europe. His grandfather Leo Lucchini was a member of the Edmonton Mercurys that won the 1950 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |publisher=Michigan Tech University |url=https://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mice/2016-17/bios/lucchini_jake_u6ek |title=Jake Lucchini - Michigan Tech Athletics |access-date=December 15, 2022}}

Career statistics

border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em"
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! colspan="5"\|Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! colspan="5"\|Playoffs
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM
2010–11 \|Beaver Valley NiteHawks \|KIJHL \| 1	0	1	1	0 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2011–12 \|Beaver Valley NiteHawks \|KIJHL \| 9	4	9	13	4 \| 12	2	6	8	2
2012–13 \|Trail Smoke Eaters \|BCHL \| 55	5	3	8	17 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2013–14 \|Trail Smoke Eaters \|BCHL \| 55	8	18	26	12 \| —	—	—	—	—
2014–15 \|Trail Smoke Eaters \|BCHL \| 58	35	47	82	32 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2015–16 \|Michigan Tech \|WCHA \| 37	7	10	17	10 \| —	—	—	—	—
2016–17 \|Michigan Tech \|WCHA \| 45	11	11	22	20 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2017–18 \|Michigan Tech \|WCHA \| 44	16	23	39	8 \| —	—	—	—	—
2018–19 \|Michigan Tech \|WCHA \| 38	11	15	26	14 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2018–19 \|Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins \|AHL \| 15	6	1	7	2 \| —	—	—	—	—
2019–20 \|Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins \|AHL \| 53	7	8	15	10 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2019–20 \|Laval Rocket \|AHL \| 8	4	1	5	4 \| —	—	—	—	—
2020–21 \|Laval Rocket \|AHL \| 28	3	3	6	6 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2021–22 \|Belleville Senators \|AHL \| 72	20	31	51	14 \| 2	0	1	1	0
2022–23 \|Belleville Senators \|AHL \| 61	19	34	53	6 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2022–23 \|Ottawa Senators \|NHL \| 11	1	0	1	0 \| —	—	—	—	—
2023–24 \|Iowa Wild \|AHL \| 30	11	12	23	8 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2023–24 \|Minnesota Wild \|NHL \| 40	2	3	5	23 \| —	—	—	—	—
2024–25 \|Milwaukee Admirals \|AHL \| 70	21	24	45	38 \| 10	1	4	5	12
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \|2024–25 \|Nashville Predators \|NHL \| 3	0	0	0	2 \| —	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" \|NHL totals ! 54 !! 3 !! 3 !! 6 !! 25 ! — !! — !! — !! — !! —

Awards and honours

class="wikitable"

! Award

! Year

ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"

! colspan="3" |BCHL

Second All-Star Team

| 2015

| {{cite web |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/102374/jake-lucchini |title=Jake Lucchini |website=eliteprospects.com |accessdate=December 15, 2022}}

ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"

! colspan="3" |College

WCHA All-Rookie Team

| 2016

WCHA Champions

| 2017, 2018